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About this project

Welcome to a new addition to the role-playing game genre. Although a role-playing game, the Genesis system is vastly different than its predecessors. First, apart from being a role-playing game, it is also a deck building game, where players create a character deck as they adventure. The character deck serves as their potential to overcome hazards and monsters to progress the storyline. Secondly, unlike traditional role-playing games, the Genesis system does not need dice resolution.

Simply consider the Genesis system as gaining a level. After all, you've been leveling for years - isn't it about time your RPG levels up.

Genesis is a role-playing system that allows you, the players, to delve into realms of endless adventure and experience grand exploits of the imagination. One player, the Game Master, takes on the role of a storyteller or narrator, creating scenery and stories for the mind, weaving action with adventure.

The Genesis game uses a special set of cards, most possessing a number and one or more icons. The number is called a power number (or PN) and the icons correspond with one of five abilities: Agility, Charm, Insight, Strength, and Willpower.

In a normal card game, players draw from a common deck of cards. In the Genesis role-play system you have a character deck, unique to you, that only you draw from. All players begin with a starting basic deck based on their character theme, commonly known as a class. You customize your character deck as you adventure. At the end of the your turn, discard your entire hand and draw a new one from your character deck.

The Genesis Roleplaying Game, you will find, is extremely flexible to adapt to your style of play. If you want dice, use them. You want to create new classes to fit your campaign, it is easier than you think - you can create a new class in just a few minutes. Create NPCs in seconds. Want to ignore power numbers altogether or use a little of everything? You can. We will share these ideas with you so you can tinker the rules to your liking.

Our goal is $15,000. It is to fund further development, artwork, and more importantly - printing the cards and other game materials needed to make a quality gaming experience. This is a new, innovative concept and we want to do it right.

The Game Masters: Game Master Rules; Chagrin Shadows, an introductory adventure; Monster Cards.

If we surpass this goal, we will include stretch goals for additional support products, such as the Magic Expansion and other awesome stuff.

Being new to crowdfunding, we feel it serves as a powerful tool to get innovative ideas off the ground and into reality. At Alea Publishing Group, we understand the difficulty of sustaining innovative ideas, we've been doing it for over 10 years. That is why, we will participate in "Kicking it Forward." After making the Genesis Roleplaying System a reality, we will support other innovative ideas by contributing 5% of our funding to other Kickstarter projects.

Want to know more about the game or our design goals? We invite you to participate in the forum discussions over at EnWorld. We've started a few threads discussing the aspects of the Genesis Roleplaying System and this list will grow in the following weeks.

We would like to thank all who contribute to our project and hope the RPG revolution proves most successful. We are passionate and excited about the Genesis Roleplaying System and hope to share this moment with each of you.

ATTENTION TO INTERNATIONAL CONTRIBUTORS (UPDATED): We do not want to leave any of our fellow international gamers behind. However, we do ask that you add an additional $25.00 to the
ADVENTURER and higher rewards to help process shipping and handling.

PDFS: All PDF rewards, save for future projects, are available now and will distribute those immediately following the close of this successfully funded project.

PROTOTYPE VERSIONS: All prototype versions of the game all also available now and will distribute them immediately following the close of this successfully funded project. Please allow at least 2 weeks for delivery (longer for international orders).

ABOUT THE JULY 2013 RELEASE: We chose this date as a precautionary standard. We plan to release the set in the first quarter of next year with a full PDF version of the game by the end of this year.

FAQ

When we initially designed this project page, we did not want to leave out our international gamers (we are heavily influenced by European board games), and looked into a flat shipping rate.

After initial concern from our Canadian neighbors and later, other international gamers, we looked into the question of shipping more thoroughly and beyond basic international flat rates.

We found we can reduce international shipping costs to $25.00. However, Kickstarter does not allow us access to the rewards after the project launches (for obvious reasons). That is why many rewards have different international rates associated with them.

The international shipping rate is $25.00. Please ignore the shipping rates posted in the gray rewards sections.

In most RPGs a player usually takes a turn, then a monster takes its turn. In Genesis, it works a bit differently. When a character attacks a monster, the monster is just not defending itself, but also fighting back. If a character proves successful, then he wounds the monster. Otherwise, the monster wounds the character.

Most opposed checks, what we call contested checks, take place when a character is in a particularly dangerous situation and may become injured or winded.

We have several suggestions - though minor in description since our focus is on the cards - but there is a flexibility on the dice to choose from. We do however enjoy using d6s and d4s for the system, although by raising target numbers, you can easily incorporate d20s.

As a matter of fact, there are several ways to use the cards and feel the system is flexible enough where some creative GMs will take our game and create a whole new way of using the cards or incorporating dice - almost like build your own RPG. For example - in our core mechanics, which a preview is at hand, we have three types of task resolutions - Advanced, Standard, and Light. You can choose to run an entire campaign with one or use a combination of all three.

Some of the dice systems we're kicking around vary from not replacing any of the elements of the game to replacing the character deck and instead keep focus on the Ability Stacks in the ce

You build your deck as you adventure - think of it as an extension of your character sheet - if you normally adventure using dice, think of the cards in your character deck as modifiers to your actions. As a "roleplayer" the card also act as an initiative to roleplay. When you discard an ability card, for example, to add your ability score to a check, your Game Master might encourage you to explain exactly what the discarded card represents in reference to what your character is doing.

To illustrate: If you discard a Charm card to aid an ally in combat, you might say, "I am distracting the mercenary by feinting a lunge with my sword."

You're not going to spend hours before game building your character deck - it is determined at character creation and then grows as the game progresses - gathering and spending experience points, overcoming hazards, good roleplay, and defeating enemies.

We designed the game for both the casual gamer and the number cruncher.

Just like any normal roleplaying game, there is a variety of hours you can devote to it - I'd say a typical session is 4-6 hours, just like a normal roleplay session, but this depends on your group. In playtest and game design, we would like to focus on about an adventure in a 4-6 hour session. Combat is quick and brutal, therefore it is not the entire focus of the game - no 2 hour encounters.

The decks are not effected by short or long term play and you can carry your deck from session to session. As for campaign length, that depends on your game group and Game Master. Though the game supports longer campaigns, we designed the game to "level" quickly - there are no "levels" in the game - you advance by learning new feats, talents, skills, increasing abilities, etc. - but to give an example, we feel that playing one session a week should not take your 1 to 2 years to reach "30th level." We like players to explore all facets of the game - in a typical 4th Edition campaign, as another example, you roughly have to have 300 encounters/skill challenges/goals to reach 30th level. I don't think destroying the One Ring took that much work.

The starter box is designed to work with 1 Game Master and 4 players. Think of it as an introductory set. You can stretch it to 5 players, though it is not recommended. If funded, we will follow up with additional cards to increase play to 5 and 6 players as well as an Advanced Rulebook. Stretch goals, if achieved, are planned to increase the number of players for the Starter Box.

Blank cards are a fabulous idea! We know how a lot of Game Masters like to tinker with rules - the cards themselves are generic enough that I imagine creative Game Masters inventing new ways to use the cards - we use three separate core mechanic task resolutions, but it is possible for more.

The majority of the cards focus on the five main abilities - I think blank cards to invent new abilities, or other things, is a great idea that we will definitely consider adding a few.

In the end however, think of the cards as dice or an extension of your character sheet. This is a roleplaying game and like other RPGs, the dice help determine task resolution rather than restrict what you can do - the same is for Genesis.

Rewards

$1 reward

SERF - Thank you for your donation to our groundbreaking project. Every contribution, no matter how small, counts.

For our appreciation, and to acknowledge that mighty castles cannot be built without the backbone of serfs, you will receive a PDF copy of our popular MEDIEVAL LANDSCAPES: PEASANT HOUSE.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2012

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$5 reward

5 backers

JOURNEYMAN - In addition to a contributor credit in our Journeyman Acknowledgments page of the Genesis rulebook and any future accompanying campaign guide, you shall receive a BASIC PRINT and PLAY version of the game (PDF format).

Furthermore, you shall recieive a PDF copy of our popular GAME MASTER OPTIONS: MEDIEVAL LIFE AND LAWS.

Estimated delivery:Dec 2012

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$10 reward

42 backers

PATHFINDER - In addition to the Journeyman package, as Pathfinder contributor, you shall receive an ADVANCED PRINT and PLAY version of the game (PDF format). The advanced version contains a proposed expansion of the basic set featuring a deck of Magic ability cards.

$35 reward

54 backers

ADVENTURER - In addition to the PATHFINDER package, you shall receive 1 copy of the GENESIS ROLEPLAYING SYSTEM with an EXCLUSIVE character theme, "The Adventurer." This character theme will not be in the regular print run, and the expansion may never see print, so pre-ording on Kickstarter MAY be the ONLY way to get this special character theme.

Furthermore, as an adventurer, you must be prepared for anything. Therefore, you shall also receive PDF copies of our entire MEDIEVAL BESTIARY line of products. This includes: MONSTROUS GUIDE, ORC CULTURE, WITCH PUPPET, MORRIGAN, and ANTHROPOPHAGI.

INTERNATIONAL GAMERS - We do not want to leave any of our fellow international gamers behind. However, we do ask that you add an additional $50.00 to help process shipping and handling.

Estimated delivery:Jul 2013

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$50 reward

18 backers

CHAMPION - In addition to the ADVENTURER package, you shall also receive a PDF copy of our highly rated ADVENTURER'S GUIDE TO CTHONIA and the accompanying adventure, THREE DAYS UNTIL DAWN. Take your first steps into the Feudal Lords Campaign Setting.

INTERNATIONAL GAMERS - We do not want to leave any of our fellow international gamers behind. However, we do ask that you add an additional $50.00 to help process shipping and handling.

Estimated delivery:Jul 2013

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$75 reward

12 backers

GRANDMASTER - In addition to the CHAMPION package, you will receive the BASIC PLAYTEST VERSION of the GENESIS ROLEPLAYING SYSTEM. This is the prototype we used to develop and playtest the game. This set includes the basic ability cards (Agility, Charm, Insight, Strength, and Willpower), Wound cards, and Experience cards. Best of all, this basic playtest package is AVAILABLE NOW!

INTERNATIONAL GAMERS - We do not want to leave any of our fellow international gamers behind. However, we do ask that you add an additional $35.00 (Canada/Mexico) and $50.00 (all other countries) to help process shipping and handling.

Estimated delivery:Jul 2013

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$100 reward

1 backer

EXALTED - In addition to the GRANDMASTER package, you will receive a PDF copy of the ADVANCED HANDBOOK for the GENESIS ROLEPLAYING SYSTEM when it becomes available.

Furthermore, you also get a GENESIS SYSTEM TOTE BAG to carry all your gaming gear.

INTERNATIONAL GAMERS - We do not want to leave any of our fellow international gamers behind. However, we do ask that you add an additional $25.00 to help process shipping and handling (This applies to all rewards of ADVENTURER and higher).

Estimated delivery:Jul 2013

You selected

$125 reward

0 backers

LEGEND - In addition to the EXALTED rewards, you shall receive the EXTENDED PLAYTEST VERSION of the GENESIS ROLEPLAYING SYSTEM. This includes everything in the basic version, outlined above, and the following: armor cards, weapon cards, range cards (and card stands), as well as the proposed future MAGIC EXPANSION cards featuring the Magic ability cards.

INTERNATIONAL GAMERS - We do not want to leave any of our fellow international gamers behind. However, we do ask that you add an additional $25.00 to help process shipping and handling (This applies to all rewards of ADVENTURER and higher).

Estimated delivery:Jul 2013

You selected

$150 reward

2 backers

PARAGON - In addition to the LEGEND rewards, you shall receive the ULTIMATE PLAYTEST VERSION of the GENESIS ROLEPLAYING SYSTEM. This prototype version of the game includes everything we used to develop the system: monster cards, tokens, event cards, etc.

Furthermore, we will upgrade the tote bag to the GENESIS SYSTEM FIELD BAG to carry your game gear and include your choice of a GENESIS HAT or T-SHIRT.

INTERNATIONAL GAMERS - We do not want to leave any of our fellow international gamers behind. However, we do ask that you add an additional $35.00 (Canada/Mexico) and $50.00 (all other countries) to help process shipping and handling.

Estimated delivery:Jul 2013

You selected

$250 reward

3 backers
Limited (7 left of 10)

MYTHIC HERO - In addition to the PARAGON package, this level of contribution offers many unique rewards.

First, you will receive two copies of the GENESIS ROLEPLAYING SYSTEM.

Next, you will help us develop either a noble house or a mythic hero in the future GENESIS CAMPAIGN SETTING. This exclusive reward includes name, history, game advantages, etc. (all within reason) and will allow you to claim a DEVELOPER credit.

Furthermore, we will upgrade the field bag to the GENESIS SYSTEM MESSENGER BAG and include an ALEA PUBLISHING GROUP DEVELOPER POLO SHIRT with your name.

INTERNATIONAL GAMERS - We do not want to leave any of our fellow international gamers behind. However, we do ask that you add an additional $35.00 (Canada/Mexico) and $50.00 (all other countries) to help process shipping and handling.

Estimated delivery:Jul 2013

You selected

$500 reward

1 backer
Limited (9 left of 10)

CREATOR - With your greatly appreciated contribution, you shall hold the power of creation within your hands. This is an unparalleled reward of epic proportion.

In addition to the MYTHIC HERO package, you will receive three copies of the GENESIS ROLEPLAYING SYSTEM.

Next, in lieu of developing a mythic hero or noble house, you shall aid us in creating a god or saint in the future GENESIS CAMPAIGN SETTING. This includes name, history, game advantages, powers, a possible artifact associated with your otherworldly being, etc. (all within reason) and will allow you to garner a CREATOR credit on the COVER!

Furthermore, you will receive all future Alea Publishing Group products, in PDF and electronic form, for life!

Lastly, we will include an exclusive GENESIS ROLEPLAYING SYSTEM CREATOR POLO SHIRT (in lieu of the Developer polo) with your name as well as a T-SHIRT with the holy symbol associated with your god or saint.

INTERNATIONAL GAMERS - We do not want to leave any of our fellow international gamers behind. However, we do ask that you add an additional $25.00 to help process shipping and handling (This applies to all rewards of ADVENTURER and higher).

Estimated delivery:Jul 2013

Funding period

Aug 22, 2012 - Oct 6, 2012
(45 days)

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